China's Ambitious Nuclear Vision Hits Slowdowns

Nuclear energy is a key driver of China’s decarbonization efforts, but its goals are facing slowdowns. Beijing deems nuclear a “non-fossil fuel” energy source alongside renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydropower. As hydro falters in times of extreme weather — as highlighted by the recent heatwave and droughts plaguing the Yangtze River region — the urgency to speed up nuclear development is mounting. Like many other countries that are struggling with power crunches — due to the Ukraine-Russian crisis, extreme weather or both — China wants to increase reliance on nuclear to boost its energy security.